Just to be clear and combine some of the responses above, there are two things that can be termed “recommendations” when applying to DAL. They are easily confused.
1) the “internal recommendation email.” Any current Delta pilot can write an email to pilot selection requesting that candidate W. T. Door have her application scored. This email causes the subject application to be scored by pilot selection. If the score meets the current criteria, an interview offer is extended. The interview criteria are difficult to impossible to know and change over time. If your application does not meet the interview criteria, it will not be scored again for twelve months. This twelve-month recycle period means that you should consider your timing for calling in this favor carefully. A current DAL pilot has no limit on sending these emails but a second request inside an existing 12-month hold period will not cause an application to be rescored early.
2) The application recommendation. This is an entry in your application on airlineapps.com and can be written for you by anybody you invite to submit one. You, the applicant, submit the email address of the individual writing the recc for you. That person receives an automated invitation from airline apps and writes about you. This recommendation DOES NOT trigger any application review, but is part of your application both for scoring purposes and during your interview. This is the place that battalion commanders and such can write about your focus on safety, outstanding leadership and aversion to kryptonite.
Hope this helps.
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